Shift Call for Members

Application Deadline: April 30, 2017

The fulcrum for Shift artists is the balance between consistent quality, experimentation, and change. We value diverse work that is rigorous yet approachable, and each month reflects a new permutation—a shift.

Shift Gallery is looking for new members for 2018. We are seeking innovative, dynamic, active artists/curators who can contribute to maintaining Shift as a vibrant and relevant Seattle art space. At Shift, each member has a variety of responsibilities within a democratic, non-hierarchical structure. New members are encouraged to provide new ideas, energy, and a commitment to growing and developing the space. Artists/curators with additional skills in the following areas are desired: art handling, writing, design, curatorial experience, web design and maintenance, grant writing, networking, and community outreach. If you have any of these skills, or other related skills that you think may be valuable, please include support material in your application.

LOCATION / PURPOSE

Shift is located in Seattle’s art district in Pioneer Square in the Tashiro-Kaplan arts complex at 312 S. Washington. Shift was established as an artist-run space with the primary goal of supporting emerging practicing Northwest area artists. At Shift, artists can make decisions about how their work is shown and promoted. Shift has created an atmosphere that is welcoming to the public where people can go to see art and meet the artists who create it.

BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP

Shift membership provides the opportunity to show your own work and/or curate an exhibition during a one-month period each year. Full-share members have the entire gallery for their show and half-share members split the exhibit space with another half-share member. You have the freedom to stage an installation, show challenging or controversial work, stage a performance, or create other collaborative events. You may also participate in group exhibition opportunities and sales events that arise, for example, pop-up shows. Membership provides an opportunity to be involved in a community of artists who are interested in supporting each other and bringing new and engaging art to the community.

Art sales are handled directly by the artist; no commissions are collected by Shift. All members are responsible for their own taxes and accounting.

COMMITMENT REQUIREMENTS / COSTS

Members agree to a one-year contract commitment. If you are not able to commit for a year, please do not apply.

Currently full-share members pay $140/month, half-share members pay $70/month. Dues amounts may change slightly in 2018, based on our projected operating expenses.

Dues payments cover the rent and other operating expenses equitably among all members. Shift has no employees; member dues go into rent, organizational, and material costs to run the gallery.

All members take on defined responsibilities for various aspects of gallery operation.

Members are responsible for paying dues and carrying out their gallery job responsibility for the entire calendar year even if they elect to drop their membership before the year is out.

Members may incur other expenses if providing beverages or food for openings, as well as covering the cost of publicity, exhibition cards, etc.

Each member covers sitting Fridays and Saturdays for their own show month.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit the following application materials by email only to info@shiftgallery.org with subject heading: “Shift New Member Application.” If possible, please compress all files into one zipped file before attaching.

Ten jpg images of your work at 72 dpi. Images must not exceed 900 pixels in any direction. Name each file as follows: “last name_image_1.jpg” etc.

Corresponding inventory list: number, title, medium, and date.

Contact information and website address.

Current resume.

Brief artist statement.

A short description of any additional skills that could be useful to Shift Gallery.

A brief statement about why you would like to join Shift.

Curators are welcome to submit ideas for solo/group exhibitions. Please send the above materials, and in the statement describe concepts and include support materials from previously curated exhibitions.